<h4>Chapter 26: Dessert</h4>


    Feeling content after his meal, Jayce strolled back into the main area of the shelter. The atmosphere was uplifting; everyone had enjoyed their fill and was in high spirits, not only due to the temporary stat boosts but also because of the delectable food he had prepared.


    "I hope you''ve enjoyed your meal," Jayce announced, standing in the middle of the room and carefully navigating the sticky dance floor with his Comfy Chef''s Shoes. The shoes seemed to glide effortlessly over the surface, sparing him any embarrassing slips.


    Laughter and shouts of agreement echoed around the room. "Leader''s cooking is the best!"


    Trying to maintain aposed demeanor, Jayce attempted to hush the group. "Okay, okay. Well, now that dinner is over, it''s time for somebat training." Despite his efforts to remain serious, the praise from the group caused his cheeks to flush with a hint of pink, an involuntary reaction.


    The seasoned members exchanged knowing looks, chuckling among themselves. They could see beyond Jayce''s tough exterior and recognized his genuine care and concern for them.


    Colin, sensing the moment, stepped forward to keep everyone on track. "What do you need us to do?"


    Grateful for the support, Jayce took a moment to address the crowd. "We''ve been focusing on ss-specific training to help you get acquainted with your skills. Now, we''ll divide into parties of 6 and practice various battle tactics."


    Surprisingly, his words were met with eptance. Jayce was taken aback by the response, half expecting some objections. He even locked eyes with Karen, who had been critical earlier, but now she wore a warm smile.


    ''Hmm, is it because I''m the Faction leader? Or is it the Executive Chef skill?'' he pondered. If the skill''s description was to be taken literally, then the phrase "You are in charge of your kitchen and your staff" might imply arger influence over his faction members.


    With the lingering thoughts pushed aside, Jayce instructed everyone present to form groups of 5, consisting of 3 swordsmen and 2 mages. A few people were left over, including the 2 guardians, 3 archers, and 1 swordsman, not counting himself and Lianna, who were special sses.


    "These will be the core of our parties, so take the time to get to know each other if you haven''t already," Jayce advised. As soon as everyone had grouped up, he gathered the first team and proceeded to demonstrate various positioning and tactics.


    "Keep a vignt eye on your party members at all times. Swordsmen, your main task is to protect the backline, which will be the primary source of damage. Mages, pay attention to the movements of those at the front, as it could be disastrous if you identally hit them with your skills."


    He went overmon battle tactics with each team, making sure they understood the formations and their roles. Jayce was particrly impressed with a young boy who appeared to be in his early teens. Despite looking a bit awkward with a sword, the boy''s determination softened Jayce''s expression. He walked over and affectionately ruffled the boy''s hair.


    "Great job, Parker. Keep up the good work," Jayce encouraged him.


    Parker beamed with pride, "Thank you, Leader! I''ll do my best."


    Jayce smiled, then addressed the room, "We''ll be doing round robin sparring, with each team sparring each other twice. Treat this as a real battle, but do not use skills. Swordsmen, focus on attacking and defending, and mages, practice your mana maniption and find openings to attack."


    "If you identally hit your own team member, or if I determine that you''ve taken a lethal blow, you''ll be considered eliminated. The first team to eliminate the mages from the opposing side will be dered the winner."


    Colin raised his hand, hisrge frame almost touching the ceiling due to his extraordinary height. "Uh, Leader, what do we do?"


    "You''ll be joining the opposite teams with our other Guardian," Jayce replied, smiling and gesturing for the other guardian to join them.


    "Excellent! Let''s have some fun, everyone!" Colin cheered, patting a shorter man beside him who also carried arge kite shield, before making his way to Team A.


    Jayce pondered for a moment before adding, "Ah, before you begin, the winning team will be treated to a delicious dessert."


    Though the stakes were not high, Jayce decided to offer a small prize to encourage a bit of healthypetition among the teams. As the Shelter inhabitants were training based on his guidance, the idea of a reward might motivate them further.


    At Jayce''s words, the atmosphere in the room shifted. yfulness vanished, and the air grew tense, as if the previous camaraderie had never existed. Team A huddled together, whispering among themselves, the promise of a dessert seemingly igniting their determination.


    "Leader''s dessert…"


    A swordsman licked his lips in anticipation, "I-I can''t imagine how delicious it will be."


    "We have to win!"


    Team A along with Colin raised their fists and yelled, "Victory! Leader''s Dessert!"


    Jayce blinked a few times, dumbfounded. "Huh?"